Has anyone found a jettisoned RAF fuel tank?

[JonnyBoy12]

Not sure if this is the right area, but will ask it anway. The Eurofighter Typhoon is capable of carrying either 1,500 litre or 1,000 litre external fuel tanks, and is capable of jettisoning them at any safe point away from civilization. Has this ever been done in the mainland U.K. and if so can they recover the fuel tanks, and use them again? How much does one weigh, and who would you take it back to?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[paulthewall]

Yes I trawled up one west of the Needles, isle of Wight some years ago. Big and bulky, and I sold it to a museum for a song. The RAF won't re-use them it seems.

[AlBags]

We accidentally jettisoned a Phantom FGR2 underwing 'Sgt Fletcher' tank years ago in a hangar! They hold 'a drop' of fuel in them. Normally, they hold around 4846lbs (in weight per pair) of aviation kerosene (paraffin). It was a bit dented. The skin of these tanks used to be Duralumin, or similar. They would be pretty knackered being dropped in flight from altitude, whether full or empty. I expect Typhoon uses a similar arrangement. At most they would now be composite or similar. They are not designed to fly either : )

If you found one, it would be a crumpled shell.

[JonnyBoy12]

Thanks for your speedy answers folks. That does answer my question. I know if I was an RAF pilot I would only jettison them as a very last resort. I know you are not supposed to do this over a populated area, but if you did it in the country could it not bop a cow on the nose, or something?